Central access duvet cover system

ABSTRACT

A central access duvet cover system includes a cover assembly, defined by first and second fabric layers with a pocket defined between the layers, and which is configured to receive a separate fill layer, defined by a blanket or comforter. The first fabric layer includes first and second portions with an opening formed therebetween such that the fill layer can be inserted into and taken out of the pocket. The opening may be generally centrally located on the first fabric layer while extending over a majority of the width of the cover assembly. The system hides the appearance of the fill layer when in use, thereby providing a similar appearance to a conventional duvet cover, while still being easy to assemble and disassemble.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of, and claimspriority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/451,827, filed Mar. 7,2017, with the same title as shown above for this application. Theabove-mentioned patent application is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to linens used with bedding and,more specifically, to cover systems used with bedding in variouscontexts.

BACKGROUND

Blankets and comforters, such as down comforters, provide an extra layerof comfort and warmth to those who choose to use them while sleeping.For example, a down comforter provides more warmth and comfort ascompared to sleeping under only a top sheet of a sheet set applied to abed. However, because of the bulk/size of comforters and blankets, thesebedding elements can be very difficult to properly clean. In order todiminish the need for direct cleaning and extend the life thereof, theseblankets and comforters are often covered with (and/or inserted within)what is known as a duvet cover. The duvet cover protects the blanket orcomforter while, at the same time, contributes an aestheticallyappealing element to the bed when positioned atop the bed. When used inplace of a top sheet, as many persons choose to do, the duvet cover isin regular contact with the human body and therefore should be cleanedon a regular basis. This cleaning typically necessitates removal of theduvet cover from the blanket or comforter.

One conventional version of a duvet cover 500 is shown in FIG. 7. Theduvet cover 500 is defined by a top panel 502 of fabric material and abottom panel 504 of fabric material, which are generally permanentlycoupled together, such as by stitching, along a first portion 506 of theperiphery thereof, and which define an opening 508 along a secondportion 510 of the periphery thereof. This opening 508 may bepermanently open, or in some embodiments, the opening 508 may beselectively closed by a connection mechanism such as the zipper 512shown in FIG. 7. The blanket or comforter 514, or some other similartype of filler, is pushed through the opening 508 to be sandwichedbetween the top and bottom panels 502, 504, in a similar fashion asinserting a pillow into a pillowcase. However, unlike a pillow, theblanket or comforter 514 is substantially large in size and capable ofbunching up or folding over itself when being inserted into the duvetcover 500 through the opening 508. This can cause significantdifficulties and delays when an operator tries to properly position theblanket or comforter 514 within the duvet cover 500. Likewise, removingthe large blanket or comforter 514 from within the duvet cover 500 canalso be difficult and time-consuming. Even when connection mechanismssuch as the zipper 512 are provided to widen the opening 508, thesedifficulties still exist, and moreover, the zipper 512 is prone todefective operations as well. These deficiencies are exacerbated incommercial contexts such as hotels and hospitals, where beddingmaterials can require washing every day, in some circumstances.

Furthermore, in those commercial contexts, the washing and follow-upprocessing of bedding materials is often performed by large commercialor industrial washers, dryers, and folding/ironing equipment. Each ofthese systems can cost multiple thousands of dollars (or hundreds ofthousands of dollars), so avoiding the inclusion of features on beddingmaterials which can potentially damage these commercial/industrialmachines is important. For example, the commercial ironing and foldingequipment can process fabric materials of many varieties, but anymetallic or hard materials such as buttons or zippers tend to damage theequipment during operation (or become melted or damaged themselves, inthe case of buttons and the like). As such, the conventional duvet cover500 like the one shown in FIG. 7 cannot be used in commercial contextswhere all linens get processed through these machines, which could bedamaged by the zipper 512, for example. The alternative of handprocessing all the duvet covers is typically not a viable option in mostcommercial contexts, at least as a result of the large number oflinen/bedding sets that need to be cleaned every day, and the complexityand difficulty of assembling the duvet cover with the blanket orcomforter after each cleaning. Likewise, if the zipper 512 were omittedfrom the duvet cover 500, the blanket or comforter 514 could easilybecome partially dislodged from a desired position within the duvetcover 500 during use on a bed.

Regardless of whether the duvet cover 500 includes a zipper 512 or someother closure mechanism, the positioning of the opening 508 renders thezipper 512 or closure mechanism visible to end users of the bed. Thisconfiguration requires additional manufacturing of elements to cover upthat closure mechanism, or the closure mechanism at the opening 508 isleft visible in other embodiments. That either complicates themanufacturing of the duvet cover 500 and/or adds a possibly undesirableaesthetic element to the design of these conventional covers. Theblanket or comforter 514 can also bunch up or fold over itself withinthe duvet cover 500 during use, leading to undesirable clumping andunevenness in the duvet.

Conventional duvet covers therefore do not find as significant of use aswould be expected in places like hotels, as a result of complicationsresulting from the potential need to remove and replace a duvet cover ona plurality of beds every single day of operation, as well as thelimiting factors of types of bedding materials that can be processed incommercial/industrial washing, drying, and ironing/folding machines.Additionally, the conventional designs for duvet covers are fairlylabor-intensive to assemble and thus come with added manufacturingcosts, which can further discourage commercial hotel and hospitaloperators from purchasing and using such products. Accordingly, beddingoptions and decorative options that can be offered to guests andpatients are often reduced in these fields.

It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a new duvet cover orsimilar cover system that addresses these and other drawbacks ofconventional designs of duvet covers, including covers like the oneshown in FIG. 7.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a central access duvet cover system is provided foruse in covering a bed. The system includes a first fabric layer and asecond fabric layer, with the first fabric layer including first andsecond portions. The second fabric layer is secured to the first fabriclayer along a plurality of side edges to collectively form a coverassembly having a closed periphery. The first and second portions of thefirst fabric layer extend over different portions of the cover assemblyto meet one another at a junction, which extends across a width of thecover assembly and between an opposing pair of the plurality of sideedges. The system also includes a pocket defined between the first andsecond fabric layers and within the closed periphery. The pocket issized to receive a fill layer in the form of a blanket or comforter, toenclose the fill layer within the cover assembly and thereby hide thefill layer from view. The system further includes an opening formedbetween the first and second portions of the first fabric layer andlocated along a central portion of the junction that is spaced from theopposing pair of the plurality of side edges. The opening providesaccess to the pocket from outside the cover assembly. The openingextends along a majority of the width of the cover assembly to enableinsertion and removal of the fill layer into and out of the pocketthrough the opening.

The large and centrally located opening makes it easy to assemble anddisassemble the fill layer with the cover assembly, while also beinglocated in a position not typically revealed to users of the bed duringnormal use of the bed. In this regard, the central access duvet coversystem provides easy cleaning of the cover assembly separate from thefill layer, while also simulating the appearance of a conventional duvetcover, as is typically desired.

In one aspect, which may be combined with any combination of thefeatures described herein, the plurality of side edges includes a headend edge configured to be positioned at a head end of the bed, and afoot end edge configured to be positioned at a foot end of the bed. Theopening and the junction are positioned closer to the head end edge thanthe foot end edge. In another aspect, the first fabric layer isconfigured to be placed facing upwardly from the bed when the system islaid out on the bed, and the opening and the junction are spaced fromthe head end edge by a predetermined length. The predetermined length issized such that the junction and the opening are concealed from viewwhen the head end edge of the system is turned down and folded over aportion of the system in use on the bed. The predetermined length is inthe range of 18 to 24 inches in one embodiment.

In another aspect, the first fabric layer includes a decorative patternfor covering the bed. The decorative pattern extends generallycontinuously across the first and second portions of the first fabriclayer.

In another aspect which may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the first and second fabric layers consist ofgenerally planar pieces of fabric material. This configuration allowsthe cover assembly to be laid flat for cleaning and processing byindustrial laundering and ironing equipment, without being damaged by orcausing damage to the industrial laundering and ironing equipment.

In a further aspect, which may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the cover assembly includes corner portions adjacentconnections of the plurality of side edges. The second fabric layer thenalso includes retention slots located at the corner portions. Theretention slots are configured to receive a plurality of fasteningelements that may be provided on the fill layer to couple the fill layerto the cover assembly and thereby retain the fill layer in positionwithin the pocket. When the system includes the fill layer, which is atleast one of a blanket or a comforter, the system would then alsoinclude the plurality of fastening elements located adjacent cornerportions of the fill layer. The plurality of fastening elements aretypically defined by materials that will not be damaged by, nor causedamage to, industrial laundering equipment that may be used during acleaning and processing cycle for cleaning the fill layer. For example,the plurality of fastening elements can be defined by fabric knotbuttons. The retention slots and the plurality of fastening elementsprevent unintended dislodgements of the fill layer from a desiredposition, thereby enhancing the predictable use of the system on a bed.

In yet another aspect which may be combined with any of the featuresdescribed herein, the system further includes closure elementspositioned on the first and second portions of the first fabric layeradjacent the opening. The closure elements are configured to engage oneanother to hold the opening in a closed position after insertion of thefill layer into the pocket. As set forth above, these features of thecentral access duvet cover system provide an advantageous simplifiedmanufacturing, assembly, and disassembly.

In a further embodiment in accordance with the invention, which may becombined with any of the features of the systems described above, amethod is provided for covering a bed with a central access duvet coversystem including a fill layer defined by at least one of a blanket or acomforter. The method includes inserting the fill layer through anopening defined in a cover assembly having a first fabric layer, asecond fabric layer, and a plurality of side edges defining a closedperiphery including a head end edge. The opening is provided at ajunction between first and second portions of the first fabric layerthat extend over different portions of the cover assembly. The methodalso includes tucking the fill layer into a pocket defined between thefirst and second fabric layers and within the closed periphery, so as toretain the fill layer between the first and second fabric layers and tohide the fill layer from view. The system is laid onto the bed with thefirst fabric layer facing upwardly. The method also includes turningdown a portion of the system at the head end edge, to thereby concealthe fill layer and the junction and opening from view in thisconfiguration. The method of this embodiment provides many of the sameadvantages set forth above with regards to the embodiments of thecentral access duvet cover system, including easy manufacturing andassembly/disassembly for cleaning, when necessary.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,with a detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a central access duvet cover system,in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, with the systemshown in a fully assembled state combining a cover assembly and a filllayer while spread over a bed.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the central access duvet coversystem of FIG. 1, with the fill layer removed from a pocket definedwithin the cover assembly, with this view showing further details of anopening and retention slots at a bottom fabric layer of the coverassembly.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the central access duvet coversystem of FIG. 1, with the system laid out in a completely horizontalorientation, and the fill layer inserted into the pocket of the coverassembly with a plurality of fastening elements on the fill layerengaged with the retention slots at corner portions of the coverassembly.

FIG. 4A is a detailed cutaway perspective view of one of the cornerportions defined by the central access duvet cover system, as identifiedin detail block “4” of FIG. 3, with the fill layer and cover assemblyengaged to show the coupling of one of the plurality of fasteningelements with one of the retention slots.

FIG. 4B is a detailed cutaway perspective view of one of the cornerportions (similar to that shown in FIG. 4A) of the system of FIG. 3,with the fill layer and the cover assembly in a disassembled state.

FIG. 5 is a side elevation cross-sectional view through one of thecorner portions of the central access duvet cover system of FIG. 3,taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3, to reveal the pocket enclosing the filllayer, as well as further details of one of the plurality of fasteningelements engaged with one of the retention slots.

FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of a central access duvet coversystem according to another embodiment of the invention, with the filllayer and the cover assembly combined in the fully assembled state andthe system laid out in a completely horizontal orientation, and with aportion of a bottom fabric layer of the cover assembly cut away toreveal additional elements adjacent a junction defined between first andsecond portions of the bottom fabric layer.

FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of a conventional duvet cover having aclosure zipper and a fill layer in the form of a blanket or a comforterlocated within the conventional duvet cover.

FIG. 8 is a top perspective view of a central access duvet cover systemaccording to a further embodiment of the invention, with the system laidout in a completely horizontal orientation and with the top fabric layerof the cover assembly including an opening providing access to a pocketin which a fill layer can be inserted.

FIG. 9 is a top perspective view of the central access duvet coversystem of FIG. 8, with the system shown in a fully assembled state andspread over a bed, with a portion of the system folded down to concealthe presence of the opening in the top fabric layer when in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 5 show a central access duvet cover system 10 inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. As revealed mostclearly in FIGS. 2 and 5, the system 10 of this embodiment includes acover assembly 12 defined by a top fabric layer 14 and a bottom fabriclayer 16, which are assembled together to enclose and retain a filllayer 18 (defined by a blanket or a comforter) and thereby simulate theperformance, functionality, and general external appearance of aconventional duvet cover (such as the duvet cover 500 described aboveand shown in FIG. 7). Advantageously, cover assembly 12 is configuredfor quick and easy manufacturing and assembly/disassembly with the filllayer 18. To this end, the system 10 includes an opening 20 in thebottom fabric layer 16 that extends across a majority of the width ofthe cover assembly 12 while also being centrally located. That sizingand positioning of the opening 20 makes it easy to insert or remove afull size blanket or comforter into a pocket 22 defined between the topand bottom fabric layers 14, 16 of the cover assembly.

Moreover, the system 10 also includes a plurality of retention slots 24located at corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, with theseretention slots 24 being configured to engage with a plurality offastening elements 28 located on the fill layer 18. By securing the filllayer 18 at the corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12, the filllayer 18 is reliably maintained in a desired position within the pocket22 without shifting, bunching up or folding over itself during use on abed 30. The fill layer 18 remains hidden from view when the system 10 islaid out on the bed 30, thereby simulating the desirable appearance of aconventional duvet cover, while overcoming the various disadvantages inmanufacturing, assembly, and use of such conventional designs as setforth above.

Additionally, the components of the central access duvet cover system 10are configured to be laundered and processed by commercial or industriallaundering equipment without being damaged or causing damage to thatexpensive and complex equipment. As such, the system 10 allows for theappearance and functionality of a blanket/comforter and duvet cover tobe used in contexts where frequent cleaning and washing is required,including but not limited to, hotels and hospitals. These and otherbeneficial features and functionality of the system 10 are described infurther detail below.

Use of several descriptive terms, such as top, bottom, head, foot, side,upwardly, downwardly, horizontal, and/or vertical, for example, as itpertains to/describes the system 10 and its components, is from theviewpoint of when the system 10 is laid out on the bed 30, unlessotherwise noted. Furthermore, it will be understood that the fill layer18 may be considered part of the system 10 in some embodiments, and aseparate component in other embodiments where it is desired to providethe cover assembly 12 as a separate element from a pre-existing blanketor comforter.

With specific reference to FIGS. 1 through 3, the system 10 is shown infurther detail in accordance with the first embodiment disclosed herein.The cover assembly 12 includes the top fabric layer 14 and the bottomfabric layer 16, which is located generally parallel to the top fabriclayer 14 when the cover assembly 12 is assembled as shown in theseviews. The top fabric layer 14 is shown in further detail at FIG. 1. Tothis end, the top fabric layer 14 is a generally rectangular sheet offabric having a top side 34 configured to face upwardly and away fromthe bed 30 when the system 10 is in use, and a bottom side 36 oppositethe top side 34. As shown in this embodiment and most clearly at FIG. 1,the top side 34 of the top fabric layer 14 may include a decorativepattern that adds a desirable or specific aesthetic look when the system10 covers the bed 30. The decorative pattern may be applied to the topfabric layer 14 by any known method, including dyeing, printing, and thelike. Furthermore, the decorative pattern may define any color andsequence as desired by the end user of the system 10.

The bottom fabric layer 16 is defined by one or more sheets of fabricthat is/are secured to the top fabric layer 14 along a plurality of sideedges so as to define a closed periphery 38 of the cover assembly 12.For example, the bottom fabric layer 16 and the top fabric layer 14 maybe stitched together (shown schematically by sew lines 39 in FIGS. 2 and3) along the plurality of side edges. In the illustrated embodiment, theplurality of side edges defined by the cover assembly 12 includes a headend edge 40 a, a foot end edge 40 b, and first and second side edges 40c, 40 d extending between the head and foot end edges 40 a, 40 b. Aswill be readily understood from FIG. 1, the head end edge 40 a isconfigured to extend along a head end of bed 30 when the system 10 isplaced on the bed 30, while the foot end edge 40 b is configured toextend along a foot end of the bed 30 in the same circumstance.

Additional features of the bottom fabric layer 16 are shown in furtherdetail in FIGS. 2 and 3. The bottom fabric layer 16 of the embodimentshown in these Figures includes a first portion 42 and a second portion44 that extend over different portions of the cover assembly 12. In thisregard, the first portion 42 is shown to extend from the head end edge40 a and along about a half of the length of the opposing pair of sideedges 40 c, 40 d to meet the second portion 44 at a junction 46. Thejunction 46 extends along a width of the cover assembly 12 between anopposing pair of the side edges 40 c, 40 d. Likewise, the second portion44 extends from the foot end edge 40 b and along about a half of thelength of the opposing pair of side edges 40 c, 40 d to the junction 46.The first and second portions 42, 44 collectively define a bottom side48 that faces downwardly towards the bed 30 when the system 10 is inuse, and a top side 50 that faces in an opposite direction from thebottom side 48. Thus, the top side 50 of the bottom fabric layer 16 andthe bottom side 36 of the top fabric layer 14 face one another as willbe described in further detail with reference to a cross-sectional viewbelow. It will be understood that while the junction 46 is approximatelyspaced by a same distance from the head end edge 40 a and from the footend edge 40 b in this embodiment, the relative sizes of the first andsecond portions 42, 44 and the corresponding position of the junction 46may be modified in other embodiments consistent with the scope of thisinvention, at least one of which is described in further detail below.

The junction 46 is tailored to be spaced from each of the head end edge40 a and the foot end edge 40 b by a predetermined minimum distance sothat the opening 20 remains hidden from view during normal use of thesystem 10 on the bed 30. In this regard, it is common during normal useto turn over a portion of the top coverings on the bed 30, and this maytypically reveal 12 to 24 inches of the bottom fabric layer 16 adjacentthe head end edge 40 a (or the foot end edge 40 b, if the orientation ofthe system 10 is reversed when placed on the bed 30). Consequently, thepredetermined minimum distance that the junction 46 is spaced from thehead and foot end edges 40 a, 40 b is generally set to be at least 24inches, thereby avoiding the potential that the opening 20 and thejunction 46 will be revealed when turning over a portion of the system10 during use. The central location of the junction 46 and the opening20 therefore provides both a benefit in facilitating the easy assemblyand disassembly of the fill layer 18 with the cover assembly 12, andalso a benefit in aesthetics that appear to simulate a regular,conventional duvet cover.

The first and second portions 42, 44 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1through 5 are provided as separate pieces of fabric that are connectedtogether such as by stitching 39 at the junction 46. To this end, thefirst portion 42 and the second portion 44 at least partially overlap atthe junction 46 in this embodiment, and the stitching 39 connecting thefirst and second portions 42, 44 together extends inwardly from theopposing pair of side edges 40 c, 40 d. The opening 20 is defined at thejunction 46 as well, and it is specifically located in a central portion54 of the junction 46. To this end, the opening 20 and central portion54 are spaced from the opposing pair of side edges 40 c, 40 d by theportions of the junction 46 containing the stitching 39 connecting thefirst and second portions 42, 44 together adjacent the opposing pair ofside edges 40 c, 40 d. The opening 20 is therefore spaced from all ofthe plurality of side edges on the cover assembly 12 and centrallylocated for advantageously making it easier to insert and remove thelarge fill layer 18 into and out of the pocket 22.

Furthermore, the opening 20 extends along a majority of the width of thecover assembly 12 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. For example, the stitching39 of the overlap portions of the first and second portions 42, 44 mayextend about 6 to 12 inches inwardly from the corresponding opposingpair of side edges 40 c, 40 d in this embodiment of the system 10. Thelength of the stitching 39 is chosen to be sufficient to establish adefinitive solid edge of the pocket 22 defined within the cover assembly12, such that the fill layer 18 does not tend to dislodge out of theedges of the opening 20 when placed within the cover assembly 12.Likewise, this spacing of the opening 20 from the opposing pair of sideedges 40 c, 40 d helps assure that the opening 20 remains hidden fromview when the system 10 is placed on the bed 30 with the top fabriclayer 14 facing upwardly. To this end, a user interacting with the sideedges 40 c, 40 d will not encounter or see the opening 20 unless asubstantial portion of the system 10 is flipped over to reveal thecentral portion 54 of the junction 46. It will be understood that theparticular length of stitching 39 on opposite ends of the junction 46relative to the opening 20 may be modified in other embodimentsconsistent with the scope of this invention. As long as the connectionbetween the first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer16 achieves the definitive solid edge and hiding functionalitiesdescribed herein, the system 10 will continue to achieve the advantagesdescribed herein over the conventional duvet cover designs (includingeasier insertion and removal of the fill layer 18 to and from the pocket22 as a result of the nearly full-width extent and central location ofthe opening 20).

Although the first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer16 are shown as separate pieces of fabric in FIGS. 2 and 3, it will beunderstood that these may be formed from the same piece of fabric as thetop fabric layer 14, just folded over into the first and second portions42, 44 and stitched together at the closed periphery 38 and also at thejunction 46. In still further embodiments, the first and second portions42, 44 are integrally formed by a unitary piece of fabric materialrather than two pieces connected together at the junction 46, in whichcase the opening 20 would be cut into the unitary piece of fabricmaterial at the junction 46 rather than automatically formed by anoverlap of two fabric layers. In such embodiments, there is no overlapof the first and second portions 42, 44, but these portions still extendto and meet one another at the junction 46. The unitary piece of fabricmaterial of such embodiments may be a folded over same piece as the topfabric layer 14 (such that the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 areintegrally formed by a single piece of fabric material), or it may be aseparate piece of fabric material later connected by stitching 39 to thetop fabric layer 14. Regardless of the particular configuration definingthe first and second portions 42, 44 of the bottom fabric layer 16, theopening 20 is still advantageously placed so as to make insertion andremoval of the fill layer 18 easy, while also keeping this opening 20and the fill layer 18 hidden from view during regular use of the system10 on the bed 30.

As described initially above, the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16and the closed periphery 38 formed by the stitching of these layerstogether collectively define a pocket 22 sized to receive the fill layer18 in the form of a full size blanket or comforter. The pocket 22 canmost easily be seen in the partial cross-sectional view of FIG. 5. Thepocket 22 is designed such that the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16enclose substantially the entirety of the fill layer 18, which hides thefill layer 18 and avoids having the fill layer 18 come into contact withusers of the bed 30 in normal operation. This allows the fill layer 18to be washed and laundered much less frequently than the cover assembly12, thereby reducing the workload in commercial contexts with many bedsto service such as in hotels and hospitals. The size of the pocket 22also provides reliable retention of the fill layer 18 in the desiredposition within the system 10 without making it exceedingly difficult toperform insertion or removal from the cover assembly 12, which would beundesirable in those contexts where many beds have to be serviced on adaily or otherwise regular basis.

The top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 defining the cover assembly 12can be constructed of various fabrics such as conventional materialsthat are typically used in the construction of sheets and similarbedding materials. Fabric construction can be woven, non-woven, orknitted. In one example, the fabric construction is a woven plain weave.The fabric can include natural and/or synthetic fibers and may be lintfree, as desired. In one example, the fabric includes polyester,polypropylene, and/or cotton. In another example, the fabric issubstantially polyester, substantially cotton, or a polyester/cottonblend (e.g., a 50/50 or other specialized mixtures or weaves ascommercially available from Standard Textile Co., Inc., the originalassignee of this application). The fabric also may incorporateadditional elements such as, but not limited to: ESD (electrostaticdissipative)/anti-static yarns, including nylon or carbon fibers, andthe like; liquid resistant material, such as polyester or polypropylene;liquid resistant coatings or finishes that conform to at least minimumstandards established for Level 1 classification by AAMI PB70 Standard,such as a fluorocarbon based finish; and/or an antimicrobial finish.These additional elements can comprise about 1% of the total material ofthe system 10, but may be provided in a greater or lesser amount asdesired. The fabrics used for the cover assembly 12 may include someresiliency to help facilitate the easy assembly and disassembly with thefill layer 18. These are but some examples of the materials that can beused to form the cover assembly 12. It will be understood that the topand bottom fabric layers 14, 16 may be provided in the same material insome embodiments, but the bottom fabric layer 16 may be provided in adifferent material that may be more inexpensive, for example, in otherembodiments consistent with the scope of this disclosure.

As a result of the construction using fabric sheets or layers, the coverassembly 12 defines a small thickness relative to the lateral dimensionsof width and length, which are visible when viewing the cover assembly12 from the bottom as in FIG. 2, and also in partial cross-section inFIG. 5. The small thickness helps make the cover assembly 12 easy tohandle, manipulate, and clean, while also not adding too much bulk tothe existing blanket or comforter defining the fill layer 18, which isoften a thick, insulated layer of material by itself. Although theembodiments shown in the drawings of this application have the topfabric layer 14 and the bottom fabric layer 16 defined by a single layerof fabric across the majority of the surface area covered, multi-layerfabrics and construction are also possible in other embodiments. To thisend, the materials chosen for the cover assembly 12 and its constructioncan be tailored to meet the needs of various end users in variouscommercial or technical settings.

The generally flat or planar construction of the layers forming thecover assembly 12 enable the cover assembly 12 to be laid flat forcleaning and processing, which may be done by industrial laundering andironing equipment in the commercial contexts identified above. To thisend, rigid and/or metallic elements can potentially be damaged by, orcause damage to, industrial laundering and ironing equipment. By formingthe cover assembly 12 from planar fabric sheets that do not have anyrigid, metallic, or generally non-planar features, the risks of damageto the cover assembly 12 or to the expensive industrial equipment isgenerally avoided. Therefore, the cover assembly 12 can be easilyremoved and cleaned in the industrial processes typically found in largehotels and hospitals, and then easily assembled again with the filllayer 18 for the next day or the next user of the bed 30.

Before describing the fill layer 18 in further detail, one optionalcomponent in the form of the retention slots 24 is further described,these retention slots 24 being used in some embodiments of the system 10such as the one in FIGS. 1 through 5. To this end, the retention slots24 are similar in construction to reinforced button holes, as theretention slots 24 shown are defined by a slit opening surrounded byreinforcement stitching. The slit opening of the retention slot 24 isconfigured to resiliently or otherwise expand to a size large enough topermit passage of a fastening element 28 as described in further detailbelow, but then return to a position where the fastening element 28 iscompressed at an inner end thereof to retain the fastening element 28 inposition. The retention slots 24 are formed at the corner portions 26 ofthe cover assembly 12, and specifically in the bottom fabric layer 16.As such, these retention slots 24 are not visible when the system 10 isspread out onto the bed 30 with the top fabric layer 14 facing upwardly.The specific construction and arrangement of the retention slots 24 maybe modified to other known designs for retaining various fasteningelements 28 in other embodiments of the invention, as this is just oneexample of what can be used to help retain the fill layer 18 in adesired position within the pocket 22 following assembly of the system10.

Now turning to the fill layer 18, this element (that is configured to beretained by the cover assembly 12) is visible at FIG. 2 as well as inpart at FIGS. 4A, 4B and 5. The fill layer 18 is defined by a blanket orcomforter 56, which is configured to provide a thickened layer ofinsulating filler which insulates the bed 30 and persons located underthe system 10 from the external environment about the bed 30. In thisregard, the fill layer 18 is sandwiched in this embodiment of the system10 between the top and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 of the cover assembly12, with the fill layer 18 also typically defining a larger thicknessthan either of these other layers. The blanket or comforter 56 includesa peripheral edge 57 that generally matches the shape and size of theclosed periphery 38 defined by the cover assembly 12, albeit typicallywith slightly smaller overall width and length dimensions such that thefill layer 18 can fit within the pocket 22. To this end, the fill layer18 of the illustrated embodiment has a generally rectangular shape andthe peripheral edge 57 thereof includes various side edges similar tothe head end edge 40 a, the foot end edge 40 b, and the side edges 40 c,40 d of the cover assembly 12. Accordingly, the fill layer 18 whenspread out has roughly the same size in plan view as the cover assembly12, which can be seen in the exploded view of FIG. 2.

The blanket or comforter 56 further includes a top surface 58 and abottom surface 60 each delimited by the peripheral edge 57. The topsurface 58 of the blanket or comforter 56 faces towards the top fabriclayer 14 when the system 10 is fully assembled, while the bottom surface60 of the blanket or comforter 56 faces towards the bottom fabric layer16 when fully assembled. Advantageously, the fill layer 18 issubstantially enclosed around its entirety and effectively hidden fromview when the system 10 is in normal use, as shown at FIGS. 1 and 3. Inthis regard, even when the system 10 is used on the bed 30 without a topsheet of a standard sheet set, the fill layer 18 remains out of contactwith any persons located in the bed 30 as a result of this enclosure ofthe blanket or comforter 56. Of course, it will be appreciated that theparticular size and shape of the various layers and elements of thesystem 10 may be modified in other embodiments to match beds ofcorresponding shapes and sizes without departing from the scope of theinvention.

The fill layer 18 defined by the blanket or comforter 56 may becomprised of similar fabric materials as described above, as well as ofvarious fillers as well known in the art of bedding and blanketmaterials. As long as the fill layer 18 is formed independently from thecover assembly 12, and is provided so as to be removable easily from thesystem 10, the specific materials chosen will not affect the principalbeneficial functionalities of the central access duvet cover system 10,which are discussed throughout this application. For example, the filllayer 18 will avoid most contact with persons and other sources thatlead to a need to clean or launder the fill layer 18, which isbeneficial for all of the reasons set forth above.

In some embodiments, the system 10 includes fastening elements 28 on thefill layer 18 to interact with the retention slots 24 described above.Those fastening elements 28 may be provided in corner portions 62 of therectangular-shaped blanket or comforter 56, to thereby match thepositions of the retention slots 24. Further details will now bedescribed regarding one particular embodiment of the fastening elements28.

To this end, specific reference is given to FIGS. 4A through 5, wherethe fastening elements 28 and the retention slots 24 are shown infurther detail. It will be understood that these views show the system10 in a reversed orientation from its use on the bed 30, e.g., with thebottom fabric layer 16 facing upwardly to show these additional details.In this embodiment, the fastening elements 28 are defined by fabric knotbuttons located on the bottom surface 60 of the fill layer 18. Thefabric knot buttons are highly deformable or compressible to enableinsertion and removal through the retention slots 24, which also allowsfor these elements on the fill layer 18 to go through industriallaundering equipment without being damaged by this equipment, and alsowithout causing damage to this equipment. By contrast, metallic or rigidelements like snaps could cause such damage or be damaged during acleaning and processing cycle, so the fabric knot buttons are designedto avoid this issue in the commercial bedding and laundering context.Even though the fill layer 18 does not need to be laundered as often asthe cover assembly 12, it is still desirable to make the fill layer 18capable of such laundering and processing when the need arises for suchcleaning. Despite having the ability to deform or compress in launderingequipment, the fabric knot buttons defining the fastening elements 28still reliably stay retained when inserted through the retention slots24 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 5.

As a result, by putting a plurality of matching pairs of the fabric knotbuttons (fastening elements 28) and the retention slots 24 on the filllayer 18 and on the bottom fabric layer 16, respectively, the system 10reliably retains the fill layer 18 in a desired location within thepocket 22, while nevertheless still allowing for easy assembly anddisassembly of the system 10. For example, the fill layer 18 isaccurately located at each of the corner portions 26 of the coverassembly 12, which thereby prevents unintended shifting, bunching, orfolding upon itself by the fill layer 18 within the pocket 22. When itis desired to disassemble the fill layer 18 from the cover assembly 12,a user must simply push the fastening element 28 back through theretention slot 24 and then pull the corner portion 62 of the fill layer18 away from the corner portion 26 of the cover assembly 12, as shown bymovement arrows 66 in FIG. 4A. The disassembled fill layer 18 and coverassembly 12 are shown at FIG. 4B, for example, and it will be readilyunderstood that the fastening element 28 will not add significantresistance to removal of the fill layer 18 from the pocket 22 at thisstage. Advantageously, the cover assembly 12 and the fill layer 18 withthese additional components remain cost-efficient to manufacture in suchan arrangement as compared to designs that must incorporate zippers orother complex items, which reduces the overall cost of using the system10 in a commercial setting.

In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A through 5, the fasteningelements 28 are located only at certain positions on the cover assembly12 and on the fill layer 18, thereby reducing the total number ofassembly points needed when assembling the system 10. By securing thefill layer 18 at the corresponding corner portions 62, the fill layer 18is effectively prevented from dislodgment in any direction. Of course,it will be understood that more or fewer fastening elements 28 anddifferent configurations of positions for the fastening elements 28 maybe used in other embodiments consistent with the scope of thisdisclosure, such as when the shape of the fill layer 18 and/or coverassembly 12 are modified from those shown. Likewise, the fasteningelements 28 and retention slots 24 could also be omitted in otherembodiments consistent with this disclosure, as the system 10 wouldstill achieve easy assembly and disassembly and the ability to useindustrial laundering equipment as a result of the structuralconfigurations.

It should also be appreciated that any pair of the fabric knot buttonsand retention slots 24 may be replaced or interchanged with a differenttype of fastener, while still retaining the overall benefits of thesystem 10. For example, while the fastening elements 28 have beendiscussed in this embodiment as fabric knot buttons, other types offastening elements that are not metallic and not substantially rigid(e.g., such as hook and loop closures (e.g., VELCRO®), silicone buttons,and/or other alternatives like ties or clasps) may be used in place ofsome or all of the fabric knot buttons, while still retaining theoverall benefits of the system 10. Regardless of the particular fastenerchosen, the fastening elements 28 advantageously enable easy and simpleseparate connection of the cover assembly 12 to the fill layer 18, withthe fastening elements 28 still being configured to avoid damage whenthe cover assembly 12 and/or the fill layer 18 are subjected to cleaningand processing cycles using industrial laundering equipment. It will beunderstood that the larger, bulkier fill layer 18 is not typicallyprocessed by industrial ironing equipment, but the cover assembly 12 maybe, and the embodiments described herein avoid damage to such componentsby the cover assembly 12.

When the system 10 is assembled and laid on the bed 30 as shown in FIG.1, the fastening elements 28 and retention slots 24 are not visible, sothese elements do not detract from the desirable aesthetic appearancesimulating a conventional duvet cover. Even though a pair of thesefastening elements 28 may become visible when a user turns down thesystem 10 along the head end edge 40 a, these elements are very small insize and therefore may go largely unnoticed by the user of the bed 30.In any event, the potential for negative impacts on the aestheticappearance of the system 10 is minimized thanks to the positioning shownin this embodiment. Consequently, the appearance of a conventional duvetcover is achieved, while defining an assembly of components that is easyand quick to assemble and disassemble, enabling regular cleanings of thecover assembly 12 without significant additional work in large-scalecontexts such as use in hotels or hospitals. Therefore, the centralaccess duvet cover system 10 of this embodiment is capable of bringingthese additional aesthetic and comfort benefits to these commercialfields.

As alluded to above, the process for assembling the central access duvetcover system 10 in accordance with this and other embodiments is simpleand easy, requiring minimal time and frustration on the part of theassembling person. The assembly method generally begins by laying thecover assembly 12 onto the bed 30 or another generally flat surface withthe bottom fabric layer 16 facing upwardly, and then inserting the filllayer 18 through the opening 20 defined in the bottom fabric layer 16.The fill layer 18 is then tucked into the pocket 22 defined between thetop and bottom fabric layers 14, 16 such that the peripheral edge 57 ofthe fill layer 18 is positioned within the cover assembly 12 andadjacent to the closed periphery 38 of the cover assembly 12. Thisinsertion and tucking of the fill layer 18 into the pocket 22 is madeeasy by having the opening 20 be centrally located and also extendingacross a majority of the width of the cover assembly 12, and the filllayer 18 is then hidden from view by the cover assembly 12. The methodof assembly can also include coupling the plurality of fasteningelements 28 at corner portions 62 of the fill layer 18 with retentionslots 24 located at corner portions 26 of the cover assembly 12,specifically in the bottom fabric layer 16. This coupling with thefastening elements 28 effectively assures that the fill layer 18 isretained in the desired position within the pocket 22 of the system 10,thereby avoiding bunching, folding upon itself, and shifting of the filllayer 18. The system 10 is then ready for being spread out onto the bed30 like a conventional duvet cover and blanket, e.g., with the topfabric layer 14 facing upwardly away from the bed 30.

It will be understood that the steps can be reversed to disassemble thesystem 10 for cleaning the cover assembly 12 separate from the filllayer 18. The steps can be re-ordered or added to in other embodimentsconsistent with the scope of this disclosure. Regardless, the process issimple and quickly performed whenever cleaning is required of thelinens.

With reference to FIG. 6, one alternative embodiment of the centralaccess duvet cover system 110 is shown. FIG. 6 is a similar view in afully assembled position of the system 110 as was shown in FIG. 3 of thefirst described embodiment, and identical elements from that firstembodiment of the system 10 have been applied with the same referencenumbers without further comment or description herein.

One difference in this embodiment of the system 110 is the positioningof the junction 146 and the relative sizing of the first portion 142 andsecond portion 144 of the bottom fabric layer 116. To this end, thejunction 146 of this embodiment is spaced from the head end edge 40 a ofthe cover assembly 112 by a first distance D₁ that is greater than asecond distance D₂ that the junction 146 is spaced from the foot endedge 40 b. However, both the first distance D₁ and the second distanceD₂ still remain larger than the predetermined minimum distance referredto in the first embodiment above. For example, the junction 146 remainsat least 24 inches of separation from the foot end edge 40 b in thisembodiment. As a result, even if the foot end edge 40 b is placedadjacent the head end of the bed 30 and then turned partially over, suchas when users of the bed 30 enter the bed 30, the junction 146 and thecorresponding opening 20 will remain hidden from view. Nevertheless, itwill be understood that the first portion 142 of the bottom fabric layer116 is larger in size than the second portion 144 in this embodiment,and these relative sizes could be further modified in other embodimentsso long as the junction 146 remains properly spaced from the closedperiphery 38 of the cover assembly 112.

Another difference in this embodiment of the system 110 shown in FIG. 6is the length of the stitching 39 provided on opposite ends of thejunction 146 to define the lateral ends of the opening 20. In the firstembodiment this stitching 39 extended inward from the side edges 40 c,40 d by about 6 to 12 inches, but this length is expanded to about 24inches in the system 110 of FIG. 6. The opening 20 still extends along amajority of the overall width of the cover assembly 12, making insertionand removal of the fill layer 18 from the pocket 22 easy to perform, butthis modification to the stitching 39 makes the system 110omnidirectional. In the context of this disclosure, being“omnidirectional” means that the cover assembly 112 continues to fullyhide the fill layer 18 from users of the bed 30 regardless of theorientation of the system 110 on the bed 30. To this end, any of thevarious side edges 40 a, 40 b, 40 c, 40 d defining the closed periphery38 can be located at the head end of the bed 30, and the opening 20 willbe spaced from that edge by a distance of 24 inches or more. That allowsa user to turn over the top end of the system 110 without making theopening 20 or the fill layer 18 visible. Accordingly, the embodimentshown in FIG. 6 can be positioned in any orientation and still achievethe aesthetic appearance of a conventional duvet cover as desired.Moreover, it will be appreciated that other embodiments of the systemcan reposition the sew lines as needed without departing from the scopeof the invention.

An additional difference in this embodiment of the system 110 shown inFIG. 6 is the use of closure elements 170 at the opening 20. Moreparticularly, the first portion 142 and the second portion 144 slightlyoverlap at the junction 146 and opening 20, and the closure elements 170are positioned on these overlap areas to removably secure the first andsecond portions 142, 144 together to keep the opening 20 in a closedstate after the fill layer 18 is inserted into the pocket 22. Theclosure elements 170 in FIG. 6 are shown to be hook and loop fastenerpanels (e.g., such as VELCRO®), but other types of removable couplingsthat are not rigid and not metallic may be used as the closure elements170 as will be readily understood, including ties and fabric knotbuttons, for example. Although the stitching 39 on the opposite lateralends of the opening 20 is sufficient to keep the fill layer 18 withinthe pocket 22, as described above, the closure elements 170 may furtherhelp avoid any undesired direct contact or visibility of the fill layer18 with users of the bed 30. The closure elements 170 continue to avoidbeing damaged by, or causing damage to, industrial laundering andironing equipment when the cover assembly 112 goes through cleaning andprocessing cycles.

In all other respects, the system 110 of this embodiment functions inthe same manner and provides the same benefits as the first embodiment.For example, the system 110 is assembled in exactly the same manner asthe method described above, with the optional additional step ofengaging the closure elements 170 with one another to close the opening20. The cover assembly 112 continues to be removable from the fill layer18 for separate cleaning, which can be completed without damage to orfrom industrial laundering and ironing equipment, and then easy andquick re-assembly for further use on the bed 30. The junction 146 andthe opening 20 remain generally hidden from view during normal use onthe bed 30 so as to provide the desirable appearance of aconventionally-fabricated duvet cover. It will be understood that thesedifferent features shown with respect to the embodiment of the system110 in FIG. 6 can be combined in any combination with features ofprevious embodiment(s) without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, another alternative embodiment of thecentral access duvet cover system 210 is shown. FIGS. 8 and 9 aresimilar views of the system 210 laid out in a horizontal orientation andin use on a bed 30 as corresponding views of the first embodiment of thesystem 10 shown in FIGS. 3 and 1, respectively, and identical elementsfrom the prior embodiments of the system 10, 110 have been applied withthe same reference numbers without further comment or descriptionherein. The following description focuses on the differences in thisembodiment of the system 210 and the advantages provided by suchdifferences.

To this end, the system 210 of this embodiment again includes a coverassembly 212 having a first fabric layer 214 (also entitled a top fabriclayer 214 in this embodiment) and a second fabric layer 216 (alsoreferred to as bottom fabric layer 216 in this embodiment) collectivelyenclosing a pocket 22 (not shown in FIG. 8) configured to receive a filllayer 18 such as a blanket or comforter. However, rather than placingthe opening 220 in a downward facing layer such as the bottom fabriclayer 216, the top fabric layer 214 is bifurcated into a first portion242 and a second portion 244 extending over different portions of thesurface area defined by the cover assembly 212, and the opening 220 isdefined at the junction 246 of these first and second portions 242, 244.As shown in FIG. 8, when a decorative pattern is applied to the top side34 of the top fabric layer 214, the decorative pattern typically extendsin a continuous manner across both the first and second portions 242,244. Just like previous embodiments, the cover assembly continues todefine a closed periphery including a head end edge 40 a, a foot endedge 40 b, and side edges 40 c, 40 d where the first and second fabriclayers 214, 216 are connected, such as by stitching. Although not shownin FIG. 8, the second fabric layer 216 of this embodiment does notinclude multiple portions and an opening defined therebetween. As aresult, any risk of a user of the bed 30 becoming entangled in theopening 220 when pulling the system 210 over the legs and body iseliminated with the opening 220 facing upwardly from the system 210.

Unlike previous embodiments, such a positioning of the opening 220 andthe junction 246 in an upward facing first fabric layer 214 wouldnormally cause these elements to be visible from above the system 210.However, in this embodiment the first portion 242 of the first fabriclayer 214 extends from the head end edge 40 a by a much smaller distancethan the second portion 244 extends from the foot end edge 40 b. In thisregard, the junction 246 is closer to the head end edge 40 a than thefoot end edge 40 b. More particularly, a length L of the first portion242 defines the spacing between the head end edge 40 a and the junction246 and opening 220. This length L is advantageously set to be less than24 inches, and more preferably, between 18 and 24 inches. Such a lengthL is typically less than the amount of the system 210 that is foldedover itself at the head end of the bed 30 by many users when making abed 30 and covering it with the system 210. By turning down this portionof the system 210 as shown in FIG. 9, which can be done for theprovision of pillows or the like, the junction 246 and the opening 220are concealed from view and the central access duvet cover system 210therefore appears identical to a conventional duvet cover in the sameconfiguration.

The placement of the opening 220 being spaced by the length L from thehead end edge 40 a also continues to make it easier to insert andassemble the typically bulky fill layer 18 into the pocket 22 definedbetween the first and second fabric layers 214, 216, particularly ascompared to conventional duvet designs like the one shown in FIG. 7. Thecentral access into the pocket provided by the opening 220 allows foreasier manipulation of the components of the duvet cover system 210 whenthose components require assembly or disassembly. The system 210 of thisembodiment is configured for commercial/industrial laundering equipment,such as by including only fastening elements like fabric knot buttonswhen those elements are provided, in accordance with the description ofthese elements in the previous embodiments above. Likewise, the system210 also maintains the desirable aesthetic appearance like aconventional duvet, while avoiding any potential issues with catching onlegs or other body parts of a user of the bed 30 when the system 210 isused without a top sheet, in one example.

Thus, it can readily be appreciated that the assembly of the system 10,110, 210 in all embodiments can be quickly accomplished to positivelysecure the fill layer 18 in an enclosed position sandwiched betweenfabric sheets of the cover assembly 12, 112, 212. The fabric knotbuttons used as fastening elements 28 prevent unintended shifting of thefill layer 18 within the pocket 22, when these elements are provided.The cover assembly 12, 112, 212 is easily removable and replaceable forcleaning and other purposes (and these cleaning and processing cyclescan be done by industrial laundering and ironing equipment), and thesystem 10, 110, 210 hides the appearance of the junction 46, 146, 246and the opening 20, 220, so as to provide the desirable appearance of aconventionally-constructed duvet cover. Other options may be readilyidentified and used with this system 10, 110, 210, including havingdifferent decorative patterns on different cover assemblies 12, 112, 212to allow for different aesthetic appearances to be used on the bed 30,and/or including having a tracking system with identification elementssuch as barcodes or RFID chips included on the layers to track a numberof laundering cycles, in contexts where that information is important toknow, without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore,the relatively simple construction of the cover assembly 12, 112, 212provides a lower cost of manufacturing or fabrication for the system 10,110, 210, particularly as compared to conventional duvet cover designs.The system 10, 110, 210 is therefore tailored for use in commercialcontexts such as hotels and hospitals.

While the present invention has been illustrated by a description ofvarious embodiments and while these embodiments have been described inconsiderable detail, it is not the intention of the applicant torestrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to suchdetail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear tothose skilled in the art. Thus, the invention in its broader aspects istherefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatusand method and illustrative example shown and described. Accordingly,departures may be made from such details without departing from thespirit or scope of applicant's general inventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A central access duvet cover system to be usedfor covering a bed, comprising: a first fabric layer and a second fabriclayer, wherein the first fabric layer includes first and secondportions, the second fabric layer being secured to the first fabriclayer along a plurality of side edges to collectively form a coverassembly having a closed periphery, wherein the first and secondportions of the first fabric layer extend over different portions of thecover assembly to meet one another at a junction, which extends across awidth of the cover assembly and between an opposing pair of theplurality of side edges; a pocket defined between the first and secondfabric layers and within the closed periphery, the pocket being sized toreceive a fill layer in the form of a blanket or comforter to enclosethe fill layer within the cover assembly and thereby hide the fill layerfrom view; and an opening formed between the first and second portionsof the first fabric layer and located along a central portion of thejunction that is spaced from the opposing pair of the plurality of sideedges, to provide access to the pocket from outside the cover assembly,the opening extending along a majority of the width of the coverassembly to enable insertion and removal of the fill layer into and outof the pocket through the opening.
 2. The central access duvet coversystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of side edges includes a headend edge configured to be positioned at a head end of the bed, and afoot end edge configured to be positioned at a foot end of the bed,wherein the junction and the opening are positioned closer to the headend edge than the foot end edge.
 3. The central access duvet coversystem of claim 2, wherein the first fabric layer is configured to beplaced facing upwardly away from the bed when the system is laid out onthe bed, the junction and the opening are spaced from the head end edgeby a predetermined length, and the predetermined length is sized suchthat the junction and the opening are concealed from view when the headend edge of the system is turned down and folded over a portion of thesystem in use on the bed.
 4. The central access duvet cover system ofclaim 3, wherein the predetermined length is in the range of 18 to 24inches.
 5. The central access duvet cover system of claim 3, wherein thefirst fabric layer comprises a decorative pattern for covering the bed.6. The central access duvet cover system of claim 5, wherein thedecorative pattern extends generally continuously across the first andsecond portions of the first fabric layer.
 7. The central access duvetcover system of claim 1, wherein the first and second fabric layersconsist of generally planar pieces of fabric material such that thecover assembly can be laid flat for cleaning and processing byindustrial laundering and ironing equipment, without being damaged by orcausing damage to the industrial laundering and ironing equipment. 8.The central access duvet cover system of claim 1, wherein the coverassembly includes corner portions adjacent connections of the pluralityof side edges, and the second fabric layer further comprises: retentionslots located at the corner portions, the retention slots configured toreceive a plurality of fastening elements that may be provided on thefill layer to couple the fill layer to the cover assembly and therebyretain the fill layer in position within the pocket.
 9. The centralaccess duvet cover system of claim 8, further comprising: the filllayer, which includes at least one of a blanket or a comforter, andwhich is configured for insertion within the pocket of the coverassembly; and the plurality of fastening elements, which are locatedadjacent corner portions of the fill layer and configured to be engagedwith the retention slots when the fill layer is inserted into the coverassembly.
 10. The central access duvet cover system of claim 9, whereinthe plurality of fastening elements is defined by fabric knot buttons.11. The central access duvet cover system of claim 1, furthercomprising: closure elements positioned on the first and second portionsof the first fabric layer adjacent the opening and configured to engageone another to hold the opening in a closed position after insertion ofthe fill layer into the pocket.
 12. The central access duvet coversystem of claim 1, wherein the first and second portions of the firstfabric layer are integrally formed by a single, unitary piece of fabricmaterial.
 13. The central access duvet cover system of claim 12, whereinthe first and second fabric layers of the cover assembly are integrallyformed by a single, unitary piece of fabric material.
 14. A method forcovering a bed with a central access duvet cover system including a filllayer that is defined by at least one of a blanket or a comforter,comprising: inserting the fill layer through an opening defined in acover assembly having a first fabric layer, a second fabric layer, and aplurality of side edges defining a closed periphery including a head endedge, wherein the opening is provided at a junction between first andsecond portions of the first fabric layer that extend over differentportions of the cover assembly; tucking the fill layer into a pocketdefined between the first and second fabric layers and within the closedperiphery, to thereby retain the fill layer between the first and secondfabric layers of the cover assembly and to hide the fill layer fromview; laying the central access duvet cover system onto the bed with thefirst fabric layer facing upwardly; and turning down a portion of thecentral access duvet cover system at the head end edge, to therebyconceal the junction and the opening in this configuration.
 15. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the junction and the opening are spaced fromthe head end edge by a predetermined length, and turning down theportion of the central access duvet cover system further comprises:folding the head end edge back over a remainder of the cover assemblypast the predetermined length such that the head end edge is locatedcloser to a foot end edge than the junction and the opening.
 16. Themethod of claim 14, wherein the cover assembly includes corner portionsadjacent connections of the plurality of side edges, and the methodfurther comprises: coupling a plurality of fastening elements locatedadjacent corner portions of the fill layer with retention slots locatedat the corner portions of the cover assembly, to hold the fill layer ina desired position within the pocket of the cover assembly.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the plurality of fastening elements isdefined by fabric knot buttons, and coupling the plurality of fasteningelements with the retention slots further comprises: deforming thefabric knot buttons such that the fabric knot buttons fit through theretention slots, and then releasing the fabric knot buttons to retainthe fabric knot buttons at the retention slots.
 18. The method of claim14, further comprising: removing the fill layer from the cover assemblyto clean the cover assembly separate from the fill layer.